Semi-OT: New car compatability with kiting lifestyle

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I'm going to be replacing my POS here in the next couple months I hope. The car I really want is a Mazda 3 5-door. Does anybody have real world experience with these? I live in Beaverton and would really like get out boarding a lot this coming season. Maybe even do some snow kiting. I know they are supposed to be fun to drive but has anyone ridden in one or driven one; through the gorge, to the coast, to hood, etc?

What about gear? It seems like the hatch area has plenty of room for gear but just curious if anybody has ever tried to put all their gear in the back of one, or preferably theirs and a buddy's gear.

Oh and finally I sat in the back seat for a minute after adjusting the driver seat to my comfort and I wasn't cramped but my knees were lightly touching the back of the seat. Anybody been in the back seat of one for more than a short drive? Was it comfortable?

Thanks for your help.

jaksavage · Since 02 Dec 2009 216 Posts hood river Stoked

I have a friend who put 250k miles on one and just bvought another. He loves it.
I would also look at the Vibe/matrix and if you are buying used the PT cruiser is a great value used, if your cool factor can handle it.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I'm buying new Smile

I took a quick look at the Matrix online but I didn't care too much for the look.

I did look seriously at the Honda Fit because of it's cargo space but no bluetooth and I was very underwhelmed by the interior features. It's their bargin car so that makes sense but it's not that much more for a Mazda 3 and the 3 is MUCH nicer in my opinion.

PT cruiser is definitely out. Any vehicle that has the option of coming with wood grain paneling (even if it's faux wood) is not an option.

It's good to know that someone put a lot of miles on it and liked it enough to get another. Like I said I'm hoping to end up in hood river, the beach, or jones just about every weekend this year so I'm going to put a crapton of miles on it.

Thanks for the comment and suggestions.

Chooch · Wed Nov 24, 10 12:52 pm

Just be careful with the hatch idea....the main reason I bought my WRX as the sedan opposed to the hatch was in fear that exposed gear will equate to broken windows and stolen kites. Evil or Very Mad

It really sucks to have to take this into consideration....cuz I don't really like my sedan.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

The Mazda 3 has a cargo cover that is pretty well integrated with the hatch. It lifts when you open it and is removable.

The sedan really isn't an option for me for a couple reasons. A) I want the space, B) my dog (big yellow lab) has to fit in it.

I did look at the cargo area and it seems fairly narrow at the top due to the angle of the rear seat and slope of the hatch but it's pretty deep at the bottom so I should be able to fit a few kite bags and gear under the cover. This is part of the reason I was hoping someone had experience with one and their gear. So I could confirm that.

JayDelViento · Since 20 Jun 2010 36 Posts White Salmon

I've had a Mazda 3 5-door since 2006. It's a great little car. Among the less expensive cars I found it much more fun to drive than anything else. I have put kiteboard gear for 2 into it with no trouble, might be able to fit a 3rd. The cargo cover stays home because the seat has to be down to fit a kiteboard. A tarp covers the goods if I am worried about the stuff being visible.

I have a Yakima rack on top and have put on a small rocket box but the hatchback won't open all the way. Bet I could get 4 riders with that setup but I have not tried. I can get a pair of kite buggies and a full quiver of foils in the car if I strap the axles to the yak rack.

People report the back seat is not too bad. I have ridden there a few times but I'm usually asleep. I find it more comfortable than the backseat in a Subaru Legacy.

Car has never once been in the shop. It has run perfectly for 80K miles.

But don't mistake it for a sand or snow car....

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Any one of these are probably nicer than my '85 Chevy Cavalier.

bwd · Since 04 Aug 2007 385 Posts Obsessed

Dogs like trucks,
your friends (& gear) can fit in the back of an suv,
and buying new is like burning $5000 by signing your name,
those are my thoughts on cars and lifestyle.
Some folks like that new car smell though, good luck......

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

pdxmonkeyboy · Sat Nov 27, 10 2:00 am

I am a firm believer as there is no such thing as driving a new car. As soon as you leave the lot, its used. I bought a new car, once, that was enough for me.

We just bought a volvo s 60R and LOVE IT. AWD handles awesome in the snow, quality leather interior and none of that cheap shit plastic that plagues domestic cars. Before you go thinking its a grandma car it cranks out 295 ftlbs of torque and a tad over 300 horsepower.

Fits gear for three. Comfortable for three? sure is comfy in the drivers seat Smile

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

I use a Pontiac grand Prix 3.8l sedan
The rear seats fold down , the passenger seat folds down . I can have all my gear in the car and still have enough room for a sleep !
OH ya I may be older but I can crash for a night or two without problem in the car.
It gets 30mpg @ 65-70mph on long trips .
OH ya one more thing , probably doesn't mean much to you younger folks but your parents would agree ITS AMERICAN ! ( big deal , right )
Good luck with whatever you buy as long as it gets you to and fro .
JackZ
Razz

jblum · Since 13 Jul 2008 306 Posts The Gorge Obsessed

Just a thought...

I'm not sure what you're budget is, but the new VW TDI CleanDiesel wagons are badass. They are super comfortable, fast, fun to drive, AND get 40-50+ MPG Laughing

. Even a 2004 with 80k is going to cost the same as a Mazda 3, but will last a lot longer. The price of gas is going down and being more efficient really pays off. Plus its fun to get almost 1000 miles per tank. The hatchback makes a great kite car and they are awesome in the snow (we have 5 days at Meadows already with no chains yet!). I think of it as my old Subaru Outback but it gets twice the MPG!

The new ones aren't cheaper than the Mazda, but are worth looking at if you want a good car for the long run. Most TDI engines last 250-400,000 miles, so its a good investment. You can get a 2011 for around 25k. The maint is a bit more expensive than other cars, but I have yet to speak with another TDI owner who doesn't love the diesel. Check one out if you haven't already.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Thanks for the advice everyone. I ended up going with the Mazda 3 and I love it so far though I haven't gone kiting in it yet lol. It's a huge step up from the POS I was driving and I think I'll have a good time driving out to the gorge with it this season.

When I get my plates I'll post a few pics so you can say hi if you see me Smile

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Nov 30, 10 8:23 am

Ugh oooh. I smell vanity plates coming....

I tried to order ILK COK but I think Barnes beat me to it.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Oh man; I guess that means I'm going with the second choice. Darn that Barnes! That's ok NOBGBLR should be available Smile

Actually I just requested "Youkai".